The program is delivered primarily on the UMD campus. Portions of some courses are delivered at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (Finland, MN).

Degree: Master of Environmental Education

Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.

The purpose of the master of environmental education is to develop advanced practitioners in environmental education (EE) who will take on leadership roles through positions such as EE specialists and directors at nature centers, outdoor and EE centers, natural resource agencies, conservation groups, park and recreation programs, and in P-16 school settings. A minimum of 34 credits is required for the degree. Core requirements include teaching methodology in formal and non-formal settings; program development, management, and evaluation; theory; and research. Elective courses are used for supporting final project and/or specific areas of interest. Final project options include a research-based thesis, research-based journal article, field project, or curriculum project.

Program Delivery

This program is available:

via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)

Prerequisites for Admission

The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.00.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or an equivalent degree from a recognized college or university in another country.

Special Application Requirements:

Applications are due February 1, with admission for the following fall semester. (Under extenuating circumstances, applications may be considered past the deadline for admission.)
All application materials should be submitted directly into the ApplyYourself application system. Your application will not be reviewed until all of the required materials are submitted successfully. Incomplete applications cannot be considered for admission.
Required materials include the following:
- Transcripts
- Writing sample that demonstrates suitability for graduate-level study and/or formal academic writing ability
- Resume
- Two work samples that communicate suitability for graduate-level study in EE, such as a lesson plan, grant proposal, article, capstone project, etc.
- Three letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's potential as a graduate student and EE professional.

International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:

Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.

The degree is intended to be completed in two years, and a minimum of 34 credits is required. Coursework is offered primarily on-campus (in person); some electives are available online. Summer coursework is limited, and most students spend summers away from campus gaining relevant experience.
Electives must be at the 4000-level or higher; 4000-level electives must be approved for gradate credit.

Overview of theoretical foundations of outdoor education. Definitions of terms related to outdoor education, historical antecedents, future
adventure education, social and psychological benefits of outdoor
education.
prereq: instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for Educ 5165

Methods and practice of administrative processes of personnel, fiscal, and facility management. Involves annual operations and long-range management with sustainability of agency natural resources. Field study and presentation of a long-range management plan are included requirements.
prereq: Certificate or Master of Environmental Education student

ENED 5625 - Program Development and Evaluation

Credits:

3.0
[max 3.0]

Grading Basis:

A-F or Aud

Typically offered:

Every Spring

A comprehensive approach to program development will be applied to youth-based environmental education programs. Course is designed for those working in supervisory capacities to gain skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating environmental education programs.

ENED 5855 - Programming for School Systems

Credits:

3.0
[max 3.0]

Grading Basis:

A-F or Aud

Typically offered:

Every Spring

The relationship between environmental education and the formal school system (P-12) will be examined. Instructional approaches that use the environment as a context for helping students develop essential content and skills in the core academic disciplines will be emphasized.
prereq: 5850, Educ 5850 or instructor consent

ENED 5100 - Research Design and Methods in the Social Sciences

Credits:

3.0
[max 3.0]

Grading Basis:

A-F or Aud

Typically offered:

Every Fall

An overview of the designs, methods, and processes used in social science research. Course content includes the following topics: Developing a purpose statement and research questions; conceptualization, operationalization, and measurements of variables' choosing and using human research subject; experimental research' survey research
prereq: graduate student or instructor consent

ENED 5998 - Outdoor Education Seminar

Credits:

1.0
[max 3.0]

Grading Basis:

S-N or Aud

Typically offered:

Every Fall & Spring

Facilitated discussions and presentations of contemporary recreation research, curricula, and/or issues.
prereq: instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for Rec 4998